Mining project Tia Maria, worth US$ 1.4 billion, will remain in operation the Minister of Energy and Mines Rosa Maria Ortiz affirmed.
The CEO of Southern Peru, Oscar Gonzales Rocha, "confirmed this version," she said.
“I have spoken with the Southern Peru CEO, [which is the company] operating the project. I have been told in the next hours there will be a rectification, in regard to the version of Southern's [company] official, Julio Morriberon, which was provided during the morning,” The Minister told in a press conference.
Earlier on Friday, Morriberon claimed the project had been "shut down."
According to Ortiz, Gonzales was surprised by the statement released by the spokesperson.
The Minister reminded Southern Peru currently takes part in the roundtables for development organized by the Peruvian government, holding meetings and dialogues with authorities, delegates and residents of Arequipa, where the project is based.
(END) ESV/JJN/MVB